Cinco de Mayo commemorates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the battle of Puebla during the French-Mexican war. Although it is not a major holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.
A number of establishments in Southwest Austin will offer food and drink specials and host commemorative events throughout the day.
Blue Starlite, 12419 Lowden Lane, Manchaca, South Austin’s drive-in movie theater will host a two-day Cinco de Mayo celebration with two double features. On Thurs., May 4, the film schedule includes Robert Rodriguez’s "Desperado" and "Once Upon A Time In Mexico." On Fri., May 5, the theater will screen "La Bamba" and "Selena." Tickets range from $7 to $35. www.bluestarlitedrivein.com
Casa Arandinas, 9001 Brodie Lane, Austin, will celebrate the holiday with an all-day happy hour. Happy hour, which usually runs from 4-7 p.m., includes $2.99 house margaritas, $5.99 Mexican martinis and $1.99 Mexican drafts (Dos XX, Tecate Lite, Modelo Especial and Negra Modelo). 512-292-1822. http://www.casaarandinasaustin.com/
Casa Maria will offer free t-shirts on Cinco de Mayo with the purchase of a large house margarita.[/caption]Casa Maria, 4327 S. First St., Ste. 102, Austin, will have a t-shirt giveaway with the purchase of a large house margarita, priced at $8.50. Live music will take place from 7-9 p.m. 512-444-886. http://casamariaaustin.com.
Chuy's is offering Cinco de Mayo specials starting Thursday. The Ruby Red Rita is one of the many options available.[/caption]Chuy’s, 4301 W. William Cannon Drive, Bldg. C, Austin, will kick off its Cinco de Mayo celebration on Thursday with $1 floaters all day. Friday will also include $1 floater shots, happy hour specials and the traditional Chuy's nacho car bar from 5-7 p.m. Saturday’s exclusive Cinco de Mayo specials are $5 Bloody Mary cocktails and the 911 combination platter, featuring a chile relleno and a chicken enchilada both topped with green sauce and rice and beans. 512-899-2489. https://www.chuys.com/
Hecho in Mexico will offer food and drink specials in honor of Cinco de Mayo.[/caption]Hecho in Mexico, 6001 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 301, Austin, will feature food and drink specials for Friday’s holiday. The restaurant will offer a special tequila shot served in a hollowed out fresh cucumber, as well as the enchiladas banderas, or "flag enchiladas," plate which will include enchiladas with three different sauces in the colors of the Mexican flag. Happy hour will take place from 3-6 p.m. with $2 Tecate cans, an $18 22-ounce Mexican martini and half-price appetizers. 512-301-0060. http://www.hechoenmexico-restaurant.com/
Serranos, 5030 W. Hwy. 290, Austin, will offer its daily happy hour specials for Friday’s celebration. Happy hour is from 3-6:30 p.m. and includes $3-4 margaritas, $3 pints of beer, $4 tall draft beers (20 ounces) and $2-off appetizers. The restaurant will also offer $5 flavored margaritas all day including lime, strawberry, mango, blackberry and peach. 512-891-7592. http://www.serranos.com/
